Karl Barton

Karl Barton is Professor of Music and coordinator of Arts for Community at Thomas University (ACTU, “Act Two”), where he programs the Sundays at Four and Fridays at Noon concert series and directs the Thomas University Jazz Ensemble. Additionally, he serves as Vice President of Marketing for the Thomasville Entertainment Foundation concert series and is a frequent guest on WFSQ, the classical music public radio station in Tallahassee.

A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Karl began studying the flute at the age of seven with Martin Lerner, who instilled in him the importance of tone, musical phrasing, and a musicianship rooted in humanity. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in jazz flute performance from Duquesne University, studying with Wendy Webb Kumer and saxophonist Eric Kloss. He then received a Master of Music degree in flute performance from the University of Akron under the tutelage of George Pope, and completed his Doctorate in flute performance, a Master's degree in Historical Musicology, and certificates in early music and world music at Florida State University, studying with Charles DeLaney, Jeffery Kite-Powell, Karyl Louwenaar, Dale Olsen, and Ming Li.

Karl has performed in masterclasses with renowned flutists Marcel Moyse, Geoffrey Gilbert, William Bennett, Ransom Wilson, and Bernard Goldberg. A former program chair and past president of the Florida Flute Association, he continues to serve as Treasurer, Exhibits Chair, Convention Site Manager, Technology Coordinator, and advisor. Dr. Barton regularly performs as a soloist and with chamber orchestras and ensembles in Thomasville and Tallahassee, including the Tallahassee Bach Parley and various jazz combos.